REACH, the EU regulation for the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals, entered into force in June 2007. Its central aim is to protect human health and the environment from the risks arising from the use of chemicals. REACH has become one of the most complex and far-reaching pieces of regulation ever to originate from the European Commission.

Within the polymer industry, it will affect producers of chemicals or preparations, importers of chemicals or finished products to the EU, producers of finished products and downstream users. Its effects will truly give it global reach, within and beyond the boundaries of Europe!

Rapra Limited, on behalf of its Members, commissioned Smithers Rapra to produce this guide to illustrate to organisations in these industries and sectors how REACH will affect them.